Amarillo is alive with activity during 2006, from cycling to rodeos and live performances to outstanding exhibits. For more information on any activity, check the Amarillo CVC web site at www.visitamarillotx.com or call 806-374-1497.

New in 2006 is the dedicated Arts in Amarillo calendar web site. For a schedule of all arts activities, go to www.artsinamarillo.com.

Tickets for many events are available through PanhandleTickets at 806-378-3096 or www.panhandletickets.com.

January

40th Annual Winter Night Ceremonials will be presented by the Kwahadi Indian Dancers on January 6, 7, 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7:30 pm in the Kiva Theater at the Kwahadi Kiva Indian Museum and Performance Center. Adult admission is $6, seniors are $5 and student tickets are $4; optional dinner is extra. Winter ceremonials feature the beautiful dances of the Pueblos and other Southwestern tribes. The museum and theater are at 9151 I-40 E just west of the Airport exit. The museum is open winter hours through May: Thursday-Saturday from noon until 5 pm and on Sunday from 1-5 pm. For information and reservations call 806-335-3175 or visit www.kwahadi.com.

The Amarillo Museum of Arts continues its Third Thursday programs all year long. From 6-9 p.m. enjoy films, art activities, complimentary coffee and tea tastings, live music, and gallery tours, sponsored by Starbucks Coffee. For more information call 806-371-5050 or visit www.amarilloart.org. The museum is always free!

The highlight of the year in Amarillo may be the grand opening of the Globe-News Center for Performing Arts, scheduled for January 20-22. This world-class performing arts hall, featuring a 1,300-seat auditorium and a soaring, multi-tiered lobby, is the pride of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle. It will be home to the Amarillo Opera, Amarillo Symphony, Lone Star Ballet and a variety of special events and concerts. The entire $30 million price tag was paid by private donations! For more information call 806-374-8288 or visit www.globenewscenter.com.

February

National Cutting Horse Association Chevy Trucks World Finals moves to February 9-18 at the Amarillo National Center. Over 500 of the top cutters and horses in the nation come together for this Super Bowl® of cutting events. For more information call 817-244-6188 or visit www.nchacutting.com.

The Last Saturday Show, featuring the 40th Annual Winter Night Ceremonials, will be presented by the Kwahadi Indian Dancers February 25 at 7:30 pm in the Kiva Theater at the Kwahadi Kiva Indian Museum and Performance Center. Adult admission is $6, seniors are $5 and student tickets are $4; optional dinner is extra. Winter ceremonials feature the beautiful dances of the Pueblos and other Southwestern tribes. The museum and theater are at 9151 I-40 E just west of the Airport exit. The museum is open winter hours through May: Thursday-Saturday from noon until 5 pm and on Sunday from 1-5 pm. For reservations and information call 806-335-3175 or visit www.kwahadi.com.

Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum presents Glamour, Elegance And Style: Dressing During The Depression in the Textile Galley from February 25 – October 29, 2006. This exhibit will include approximately 12-15 costumes from the 1930s, presented within historical and sociological context, using text, photos, and related objects. For more information call 806-651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.

March

Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum presents Revealing Character: Robb Kendrick's Texas Photographs from March 3-May 28, 2006. Frost Bank of San Antonio and Texas Monthly commissioned Texas photographer Robb Kendrick to document today's Texas cowboy; to not only rekindle our heritage but also to remind us all that character is alive and well, and just as important today. For more information call 806-651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.

The Panhandle-Plains Invitational: Western Art Show and Sale is at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum from March 4-April 2, 2006. This event provides the only museum-quality venue in the Texas Panhandle for contemporary Western artists. Proceeds fund additions to the collection and exhibitions of historic Southwestern art to the area. For more information call 806-651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.

Palo Duro: The Grand Canyon Of Texas celebrates the 75th anniversary of the grand opening of Palo Duro Park, the forerunner of Palo Duro Canyon State Park, at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum from March 11-July 16, 2006. This multidisciplinary exhibit will focus on the natural history of one of the largest canyons in the United States, as well as Indian occupation, ranching in the canyon, the development of the state park, and the outdoor musical production Texas. The exhibit will feature a variety of artifacts, photographs, and paintings relating to Palo Duro Canyon. For more information call 806-651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.

Cowboy Stories, Poems and Songs of the Texas Panhandle on March 17 and 25, 2006 in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Enjoy a performance of cowboy poetry, stories and songs performed by Jimmy and Sarah Northcutt at the Lone Star Interpretive Theater. Fun and entertainment for the whole family, weather permitting. March 17 from 4-6 p.m.; March 25 from 6-8 p.m. (806) 488-2227.

The Last Saturday Show, featuring the 40th Annual Winter Night Ceremonials, will be presented by the Kwahadi Indian Dancers March 25 at 7:30 pm in the Kiva Theater at the Kwahadi Kiva Indian Museum and Performance Center. Adult admission is $6, seniors are $5 and student tickets are $4; optional dinner is extra. Winter ceremonials feature the beautiful dances of the Pueblos and other Southwestern tribes. The museum and theater are at 9151 I-40 E just west of the Airport exit. The museum is open winter hours through May: Thursday-Saturday from noon until 5 pm and on Sunday from 1-5 pm. For reservations and information call 806-335-3175 or visit www.kwahadi.com.

April

The Amarillo Dusters blow into town for their third season from April through July. Last year, their first in the Arena2 Football League, they advanced to the playoffs. For information and tickets call 806-322-PASS or visit www.dustersfootball.com.

Bat Mania flies into Palo Duro Canyon State Park on April 15, 2006. Ever wonder about those flying mammals that people either loath or love? Learn facts and fiction about these interesting creatures at the Lone Star Interpretive Theater, weather permitting. 9-10 p.m. (806) 488-2227.

The Last Saturday Show, featuring the 40th Annual Winter Night Ceremonials, will be presented by the Kwahadi Indian Dancers April 29 at 7:30 pm in the Kiva Theater at the Kwahadi Kiva Indian Museum and Performance Center. Adult admission is $6, seniors are $5 and student tickets are $4; optional dinner is extra. Winter ceremonials feature the beautiful dances of the Pueblos and other Southwestern tribes. The museum and theater are at 9151 I-40 E just west of the Airport exit. The museum is open winter hours through May: Thursday-Saturday from noon until 5 pm and on Sunday from 1-5 pm. For reservations and information call 806-335-3175 or visit www.kwahadi.com.

May

The 34th Annual Greater Southwest Music Festival, featuring over 10,000 music students and their teachers, is May 4-6. Contests include band, choir, jazz bands, show choir, and orchestras, as well as solo and ensemble competition. Performances will take place at the Amarillo Civic Center, St. Paul United Methodist Church, and Polk Street United Methodist Church. For more information call 806-373-5903 or visit www.gswmf.com.

My Hero's Have Always Been Cowboys is the theme of the Palo Duro Western Film Festival at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum from May 5-7, 2006. Three days of classic western films, many shot in and around the Texas Panhandle. Informative commentary, interesting facts – and popcorn – make this an event not to miss. For information and reservations call 806-651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.

Palo Duro Night Sky on May 5, 2006 at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Join our local area expert astronomer at the visitor center parking lot for an evening of viewing the beautiful night sky over Palo Duro Canyon, weather permitting. Telescopes and instructions provided. 9-10:30 p.m. (806) 488-2227

Wildcat Bluff Nature Center presents SnakeFest on May 6 from 1-4 pm. Snakes, gators and lizards – oh my! See live scaly and slimy creatures in a day filled with reptiles and amphibians. Exhibits and presentations will make for an esssspecially fun day for the entire family. (806) 352-6007 or www.wildcatbluff.org.

Masterpieces Of American Indian Art opens on May 20, 2006 at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. This newly renovated gallery, exhibiting outstanding examples of baskets, beadwork, pottery, textiles, silver and turquoise jewelry, paintings and sculpture, allows museum visitors a broader understanding of the high quality of American Indian art. For more information call 806-651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.

The Last Saturday Show, featuring the 40th Annual Winter Night Ceremonials, will be presented by the Kwahadi Indian Dancers May 29 at 7:30 pm in the Kiva Theater at the Kwahadi Kiva Indian Museum and Performance Center. Adult admission is $6, seniors are $5 and student tickets are $4; optional dinner is extra. Winter ceremonials feature the beautiful dances of the Pueblos and other Southwestern tribes. The museum and theater are at 9151 I-40 E just west of the Airport exit. The museum is open winter hours through May: Thursday-Saturday from noon until 5 pm and on Sunday from 1-5 pm. For reservations and information call 806-335-3175 or visit www.kwahadi.com.

June

Cowboy Roundup USA, featuring the World Championship Chuckwagon Cook Off and two performances of the Coors Ranch Rodeo, celebrates the cowboy lifestyle for the 18th year on June 2-4. The Roundup also attracts top cowboy poets and singers. For more information call 806-372-4777 or visit www.cowboyroundupusa.org.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is home to TEXAS from June 2-August 19. This year is the 41st season of outdoor drama in the magnificent outdoor setting of Palo Duro Canyon. TEXAS is performed nightly, Tuesday-Saturday. Call 806-655-2181 or visit www.epictexas.com.

Kwahadi Indian Dancers will perform "Song of the Eagle" on June 2, 3, 9,10, 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. and are held at the Kwahadi-Kiva Indian Museum and Performance Center, 9151 I-40 East. Admission for dance performances will be $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for seniors and $4.50; optional dinner is extra for students and includes admission to the museum. The museum's summer hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. For reservations and information, call 806-335-3175 or visit www.kwahadi.com.

Weeee're BACK! – Incredible Edible Insects on June 24 from 1-4 p.m. at Wildcat Bluff Nature Center. If you missed it before, here is your chance to sample some mouth watering treats including Jell-O- Wigglers, Rice Crawly Treats, Windshield Scrape Cookies and "What is that looking back at me chili?" Join also in the cricket spitting contest, Roach Road Rally and our creepy crawly petting zoo. Don't miss out on joining the most elite club in town – the "I Ate a Bug Club." (806) 352-6007 or www.wildcatbluff.org.

Always…Patsy Cline will be performed on Sunday and Monday nights in Pioneer Amphitheater in Palo Duro Canyon State Park starting June 12. Based on the life and songs of the famous country music entertainer. Call 806-655-2181 or visit www.heritageent.com.

The Mary Bivins Tropical Conservatory opens in June at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens. More than 6,000 square feet of tropical flora and waterfalls. For more information call 806-352-6513 or visit www.amarillobotanicalgardens.org.

The Old Tascosa Cycling Classic cruises into town, including a series of races on downtown's 100-year-old brick streets as well as over the area's plains and canyons. Three hundred professional cyclists are expected to participate over the second weekend in June. For more information call 806-378-3036 or visit www.oldtascosaclassic.com.

High Noon on the Square is each Wednesday in June and July at the Potter County Courthouse Square in downtown Amarillo. Each week features a different performing group and a different lunch offering. Or bring your own lunch. For more information call Center City of Amarillo at 806-372-6744.

The Starlight Theater, every Tuesday evening in June and July, features local groups in live musical performances. Bring your blanket and chairs, a picnic or snack, and spread out on the lawn in front of the stage in Sam Houston Park. It's free. For information call 806-378-3036.

The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Youth World Cup brings top flight competition from around the world to Amarillo from June 23-July 2. Young leaders in the quarter horse industry from countries around the globe will meet in the arena and the classroom to help shape the future of the Quarter Horse world. All competition will be at the Amarillo National Center. For more information call AQHA at 806-376-4811 or visit www.aqha.org.

July

Will Rogers Range Riders Rodeo shakes things up July 1-3. One of the top rodeos in the Texas Panhandle, it features area cowboys right off the ranch. For tickets and information call 806-355-2212.

The Amarillo Globe-News Fireworks light up the Amarillo sky on July 4. The display, choreographed to music on KGNC-FM, originates from Southwest Park but there are great viewing locations across the south side of the city. Starts at approximately 9:45 p.m.

Kwahadi Indian Dancers will perform "Song of the Eagle" on July 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. and are held at the Kwahadi-Kiva Indian Museum and Performance Center, 9151 I-40 East. Admission for dance performances will be $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for seniors and $4.50 for students and includes admission to the museum; optional dinner is extra. The museum's summer hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. For reservations and information, call 806-335-3175 or visit www.kwahadi.com.

August

The Duval Collection visits the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum from August 5, 2006-January 2007. Housed at the top of Houston's Pennzoil Building for more than 20 years, this magnificent collection includes dazzling specimens of native copper, azurite, amethyst, selenite, and many other gems from around the world, all chosen for their beauty of form and color. Highlights of the exhibition include one of the world's largest "gem quality" turquoise nuggets and a magnificent cluster of transparent quartz crystals that weighs almost 2,000 pounds. This special exhibition is organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences. For more information call 806-651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.

Kwahadi Indian Dancers will perform "Song of the Eagle" on August 18, 19, 25 and 26. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. and are held at the Kwahadi-Kiva Indian Museum and Performance Center, 9151 I-40 East. Admission for dance performances will be $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for seniors and $4.50 for students and includes admission to the museum; optional dinner is extra. The museum's summer hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. For reservations and information, call 806-335-3175 or visit www.kwahadi.com.

Polk St. Block Party, the city's biggest block party, takes over three downtown blocks on August 19. Four different stages will feature 20 bands. Advance tickets are $7 or $10 at the gate. For more information call Center City of Amarillo at 806-372-6744 or visit www.centercity.org.

The Bayer Select AQHA World Championship Show at the Amarillo National Center from August 29-September 3, features more than 700 entries in show dedicated to competitors over the age of 50. For more information call 806-376-4811 or visit www.aqha.org.

September

The annual Boys Ranch Labor Day Rodeo features the residents of Boys Ranch in one off the best rodeos in the area. Also included is a top-notch barbecue. For more information call 372-2341 or visit www.calfarleysboysranch.org.

The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Good Times Barbecue Cook off is the largest barbecue cook off in the Panhandle. It spreads over three blocks in downtown Amarillo, attracts over 90 cooking teams, and welcomes over 8,000 barbecue fanciers on September 13-14. For more information call 806-373-7800 or visit www.amarillo-chamber.org.

For the 81st time the Tri-State Fair open its grounds, from Sept. 15-23. One of the longest-running events in Amarillo, the Tri-State Fair features all the activities you expect at a top-notch regional fair, including a PRCA rodeo. For more information call the Tri-State Fair at 806-376-7767 or visit www.tristatefair.com.

20th Annual Indian Summer Performances by Kwahadi Dancers on September 29 and 30 at the Kwahadi Kiva Indian Museum and Performance Center. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. Adults are $6.50, seniors are $5.50 and students are $4.50; optional dinner is extra. The museum and theater are at 9151 I-40 E just west of the airport exit. The museum's summer hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. For reservations and information call 806-335-3175 or visit www.kwahadi.com.

Crazy About Quilts will feature approximately 12-15 crazy quilts from the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum's collection from September 30, 2006-January 7, 2007. Over-decoration and ornamentation pervaded every aspect of late Victorian life, and crazy quilts can be viewed as the ultimate adaptation of the Victorian aesthetic to quilt making. For more information call 806-651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.

October

Jack Sorenson: In Palo Duro's Shadow is on display at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum from October 2, 2006-January 21, 2007. An Amarillo native, Sorenson grew up on his father's dude ranch and re-created frontier town on the rim of Palo Duro Canyon. Sorenson believes "great paintings should tell a story." For more information call 806-651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.

20th Annual Indian Summer Performances by Kwahadi Dancers on October 6 and 7 at the Kwahadi Kiva Indian Museum and Performance Center. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. Adults are $6.50, seniors are $5.50 and students are $4.50; optional dinner is extra. The museum and theater are at 9151 I-40 E just west of the airport exit. The museum's summer hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. For reservations and information call 806-335-3175 or visit www.kwahadi.com.

HOWL-O-WEEN at Wildcat Buff Nature Center on October 28 from 1-4 p.m. A fun and non-scary event for the entire family. Stroll along our trail and encounter costumed animal characters that live in Texas Panhandle. Treats, face painting, crafts and live animals make for a fun family adventure. (806) 352-6007 or www.wildcatbluff.org.

The Amarillo Gorillas begin their fifth season of competition in the Central Hockey League. All home games are at the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum. They'll be shooting for the playoffs in March 2007. For more information call 806-242-PUCK or visit www.amarillogorillas.com.

U.S. Team Penning Association (USTPA) National Finals and World Championships, at the end of October and beginning of November, is in the Amarillo National Center. Team penning is a fast growing equine activity; this event features over 1,500 teams from across the country. For more information call 817-378-8082 or go visit www.ustpa.com.

November

11th Working Ranch Cowboy Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo is on November 9-12 in the Amarillo Civic Center. Twenty ranch teams from across the US and Canada are expected to vie for the title of world champion. These competitors are the real deal- the cowboys and cowgirls of the west who dedicate their careers from the back of a horse. For information call 806-374-9722 or visit www.wrca.org.

Amarillo Showcase of Championship Roping is the third weekend of November in the Amarillo National Center. Included in the weekend of events is the National Finals Steer Roping event, a world championship sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. For information call 940-367-3122.

Amarillo Farm & Ranch Show runs at the Amarillo Civic Center at the end of November and first of December. One of the nation's largest indoor farm and ranch expositions. Admission is free. For more information call 800-827-8007 or visit www.farmshows.com.

December

Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Holiday Open House is December 1-2. Musical entertainment, storytelling, period role players in Pioneer Town. No admission charge. For more information call 806-651-2244 or visit www.panhandleplains.org.

Center City of Amarillo presents "Holidays in the City – Electric Light Parade" on December 1 at 6:00 p.m. Lighted parade through downtown Amarillo will end at the Amarillo Civic Center for the lighting of the city's Christmas Tree at 7 p.m. For more information call 806-372-6744 or visit www.centercity.org.

Kwahadi Kiva Indian Museum presents the Festival of Lights Art Show and Indian Market annually in December. Call for details at 806-335-3175 or visit www.kwahadi.com.

Lone Star Ballet presents its annual production of The Nutcracker on the second weekend of December in the Civic Center Auditorium. The magic of the season unfolds once again as the Lone Star Ballet presents its annual gift of this most beloved holiday production. Performed in partnership with the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra. Support provided by the Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation. For information call 806-372-2463 or visit www.lonestarballet.org.

Kwahadi Indian Dancers 41st Annual Winter Night Ceremonials performed on December 28, 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m.. Adults are $6.50, seniors are $5.50 and students are $4.50; optional dinner is extra. The museum and theater are at 9151 I-40 E just west of the airport exit. Show ticket includes admission to the museum. Museum's winter hours are 12 noon-5:00 p.m., Thursday - Sunday. For reservations and information call 806-335-3175 or visit www.kwahadi.com.